When this third post during my pilgrimage is published on August 25th, I’ll be spending my final day in Santiago. Two days before, I’ll walk from Padron to Santiago, a 16 mile stretch over natural pathways through oak, pine, and eucalyptus woodlands. As I get closer to Santiago there will be sections of main road and city streets. Mary describes the excitement in the air that is shared with the other pilgrims that becomes a celebration.

I’ve never set out on foot on a journey to such a far distance. I wonder if I’ll walk into the city with pilgrim friends I’ve made along the way. I think back on the movie, The Way and remember how their group had bonded over the miles and then had different responses once they were in the Cathedral.

While I’m in Santiago, I’ll be able to attend a mass and visit the pilgrim museum. I’ll have a task of going to the Pilgrims’ office to get an appointment to receive my Compostela–or official paper that I indeed walked the last 100 kilometers or 62 miles of the Camino. I have to show proof by providing my Camino passport–called a Credential. At each place I stay, and also at restaurants and cafes along the way, they stamp your Credential to prove you were there. They Pilgrim’s office will look for 2 stamps at each place on that final 100 kilometers. For me, that will start in the city of Vigo.

I’ve written myself notes on my travel packet to be sure not to forget. I think once I’m in the “flow of the Camino” it’ll seem more natural; ahead of time, it seems like too many things to remember 🙂 When I start to get overwhelmed, my friend Terry, who walked the Camino last summer, reminds me that I can do it. She says I’ll always be glad I had what will be an amazing experience. No matter how strong, or organized, or prepared I, or anyone else, may appear, it’s always nice to have those reminders from others that everything’s going to be okay.

I imagine I’ll have mixed feelings about coming to the end of my journey, the end of three weeks away from home. I look forward to sharing my experience further in my posts on my Facebook author page and in blog posts when I return.

https://www.facebook.com/connierosserriddle55/

And until I return,

Buen Camino, Friends!

Connie